Q: I would like to get your hitch for my 2005 Heritage Softail Deluxe. I have the deluxe rigid saddlebags & a detachable solo rack which includes the required docking hardware kit, all mounted on the bike. Will these items cause a problem in installation?
A: The hitch would fit, and should work with your saddlebags without issue. The rub may be with the detachable rack.
When you install a hitch on the outside of the fender, as is the case with almost all cruiser style bikes, you add a total of about 1/2 of an inch to the total width. This additional spread affects the ease with which you can put on and remove detachable items.
So, I don't think those accessories would present a problem to installing the hitch, but might make it difficult to use the luggage rack. It's possible you could spread the attachment points and angle them a bit to make them work better. After all, it's probably not something you are putting on and taking off every day.
Be sure to check out our Harley Softail Hitch installation video and this one, featuring a chrome Softail hitch. This bike has a fixed backrest and luggage rack and, as I mentioned above, I had to stretch them a bit, but they do go back on the bike.
We have Softail hitches for current model bikes as well as other members of the Softail family, such as the Fat Boy. I don't always have them all listed, so if your bike is not among those on the current hitch list, use our contact form to ask me about a motorcycle hitch for your Softail (or any other bike, for that matter!)